New York City FC Stadium Opening Delayed to Summer 2027

Etihad Park's launch pushed back to align with MLS's new summer-to-spring season schedule.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The opening of New York City FC's new 25,000-seat stadium, Etihad Park, has been postponed from 2027 to the summer of 2027 to coincide with Major League Soccer's revised season calendar. During the shortened 2027 season, NYCFC will continue playing most home games at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.

Why it matters

The delay aligns the new stadium's opening with MLS's transition to a summer-to-spring schedule, which will better synchronize the league with major European soccer competitions. The stadium will also serve as a venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The details

Originally planned to open for the 2027 season, the new 25,000-seat Etihad Park venue will instead open when MLS transitions to a summer-to-spring calendar. During the shortened 2027 season, NYCFC will continue hosting most home matches at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, as the team has done since its debut in 2015.

  • The new Etihad Park stadium will open in the summer of 2027.
  • The shortened 2027 MLS season will feature 14 regular-season games followed by playoffs.

The players

New York City FC

The Major League Soccer team is controlled by City Football Group, which also owns the Premier League's Manchester City.

Etihad Park

The new 25,000-seat stadium that will serve as the home venue for New York City FC starting in the summer of 2027.

Major League Soccer

The top professional men's soccer league in the United States and Canada, which is transitioning to a summer-to-spring calendar.

2028 Los Angeles Olympics

The new Etihad Park stadium will also serve as a venue for soccer competitions during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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What’s next

The new Etihad Park stadium will open in the summer of 2027, coinciding with MLS's transition to a summer-to-spring season schedule.

The takeaway

The delay in opening New York City FC's new stadium aligns with MLS's broader shift to a summer-to-spring calendar, which will better synchronize the league with major European soccer competitions. The stadium will also serve as an Olympic venue, further cementing its importance.